Choosing the wrong bank for international transactions can cost a UK business thousands per year in hidden FX margins and transfer fees. This guide compares the lowest-fee providers for international business payments in 2026 — including Wise, Revolut, Airwallex, Payoneer and HSBC — so you can find the best option for your route. Whether you're importing goods, selling on Amazon or TikTok Shop, or managing an e-commerce company, the right payment infrastructure makes a real difference.
International Business Payment Fees Comparison 2026
The table below compares the key costs across the most popular providers for UK businesses sending and receiving cross-border payments.
| Provider | FX Margin | Transfer Fee | Currencies | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Business | Mid-market +0.35–2% | From £0.27 | 40+ | Lowest fees overall |
| Revolut Business | 0.5–1% (plan-based) | Free (allowance) | 25+ | High-volume senders |
| Airwallex | 0.5–1% | Free | 20+ | Asia-Pacific, e-commerce |
| Payoneer | 2% | Free | 15+ | Marketplaces, China payments |
| HUBFX | Competitive (negotiable) | £0 most currencies | 30+ | UK FX specialists, large transfers |
| HSBC Business | 1.5–3% | £4–17/transfer | 13 | Established businesses, trade finance |
Key Insight
For most UK businesses, the lowest fees for international payments come from specialist fintechs — not high-street banks. Wise uses the mid-market rate; traditional banks typically add 1.5–3% on top of a hidden spread, plus fixed transfer fees.
Best Multi-Currency Accounts for International Payments 2026
A multi-currency business account lets you hold, send and receive funds in multiple currencies without converting every time. For UK companies making or receiving cross-border payments regularly, this can eliminate repeated conversion losses.
Best multi-currency accounts for receiving payments from international customers
- Wise Business — Local account details in GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, NZD, SGD and more. Customers pay as if you're local; no SWIFT fees.
- Revolut Business — Hold 25+ currencies; ideal if you're paid in multiple currencies and want to spend directly without converting.
- Airwallex — Strong for receiving USD and CNY from China and US marketplaces. Dedicated collection accounts per currency.
Best multi-currency accounts for UK international transfers 2026
- Wise Business — Transparent fees, mid-market rate, instant setup online. Best for regular GBP→USD/EUR/CNY transfers.
- HUBFX — UK-based FX specialist. No transfer fees on most major corridors; suited to larger one-off transfers where FX margin matters most.
- Revolut Business — Free transfers within allowance on paid plans; good for businesses sending moderate volumes monthly.
United Kingdom
As a UK company, you'll need reliable banking for domestic operations and international payments.
Recommended Bank: HSBC
- Best for: Established businesses, international trade, letters of credit
- Strengths: Global network in 60+ countries, trade finance expertise, multi-currency accounts
- Monthly fees: £5.50-12.50/month
- International transfers: Available but rates can be improved with specialists
- Website: hsbc.co.uk/business
Recommended Payment Provider: HUBFX
- Best for: International payments, multi-currency management, e-commerce businesses
- Strengths: Competitive exchange rates, fast transfers, dedicated account managers
- Fees: Low or zero transfer fees on most currencies
- Currencies: 30+ currencies supported
- Processing time: Same-day for major currencies
- Website: hubfx.co
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Register Your CompanyUnited States
The US market is crucial for many UK businesses, whether you're selling to American customers or paying US suppliers.
Recommended Bank: Chase Business
- Best for: Businesses with US operations or subsidiary
- Strengths: Largest US bank network, comprehensive business services, strong online banking
- Account requirements: Generally requires US business entity (LLC or Inc)
- Monthly fees: $15/month (waivable with minimum balance)
- Website: chase.com/business
Recommended Payment Provider: Wise Business
- Best for: USD payments without US bank account, receiving from US customers
- Strengths: US account details (ACH routing number), transparent fees, fast setup
- Exchange rate: Mid-market rate + 0.4-0.6% fee
- Processing time: 1-2 business days for most transfers
- Website: wise.com/business
European Union
Post-Brexit, payments between UK and EU require more consideration, but efficient solutions exist.
Recommended Bank: Deutsche Bank
- Best for: Businesses with significant EU operations
- Strengths: Strong presence across EU, trade finance, corporate banking expertise
- Account requirements: Usually requires EU legal entity
- SEPA payments: Free or low-cost within EU
- Website: db.com
Recommended Payment Provider: Wise Business
- Best for: EUR payments without EU bank account, receiving from EU customers
- Strengths: EU account details (IBAN), SEPA transfers, excellent for e-commerce
- Exchange rate: Mid-market rate + 0.3-0.5% fee for EUR
- Processing time: Usually same-day for SEPA
- Website: wise.com/business
China
China is the world's manufacturing hub. If you're sourcing products from China, understanding payment options is essential.
Recommended Bank: Bank of China
- Best for: Large payments, trade finance, letters of credit
- Strengths: Direct CNY handling, trade finance expertise, branches in major cities
- Account requirements: Can be opened remotely for business purposes
- Processing time: 2-5 business days for international transfers
- Website: boc.cn
Recommended Payment Provider: Payoneer
- Best for: Paying Chinese suppliers, receiving from Chinese marketplaces
- Strengths: Direct CNY payments, supplier payment services, widely accepted by Chinese factories
- Fees: 2% on payments to China
- Processing time: 1-3 business days
- Website: payoneer.com
Paying Chinese Suppliers
When paying Chinese suppliers, always verify their bank details carefully. Many suppliers accept USD, which can simplify the process. For large orders, consider using letters of credit through banks like Bank of China or HSBC.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong serves as a gateway between Western markets and Asia, with a business-friendly environment and no foreign exchange controls.
Recommended Bank: HSBC Hong Kong
- Best for: Multi-currency operations, Asia-Pacific trade
- Strengths: No minimum balance requirements for basic accounts, excellent online banking, integration with UK HSBC
- Account opening: Can be done remotely for existing HSBC customers
- Currencies: 12+ currencies including CNY, USD, GBP, EUR
- Website: hsbc.com.hk/business
Recommended Payment Provider: Airwallex
- Best for: E-commerce businesses, marketplace sellers, tech companies
- Strengths: Multi-currency accounts, API integration, competitive rates for Asia-Pacific
- Fees: Low FX margins (0.5-1%)
- Currencies: 20+ currencies
- Website: airwallex.com
Tips for Choosing the Best Bank for Cross-Border Payments
1. Consider Your Payment Volumes
High-volume businesses may negotiate better rates with payment providers. Some providers offer volume discounts starting from £50,000/month in transactions.
2. Match Providers to Your Use Case
- E-commerce: Prioritise multi-currency receiving accounts and marketplace integrations
- Import business: Focus on supplier payment capabilities and trade finance
- Service business: Look for easy invoicing and client payment options
3. Don't Rely on One Provider
Having multiple payment options provides redundancy and lets you compare rates for large transactions.
4. Check Country Coverage
Not all providers support all countries. Verify that your chosen provider can handle payments to your specific suppliers and customers.
5. Consider Integration Needs
If you're running an e-commerce business, look for providers with APIs and integrations with your sales platforms.